Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce

Perceived benefits, barriers, perceptions, and readiness to use exoskeletons in the construction industry: Differences by demographic characteristics

Exoskeletons (EXOs) are a promising wearable intervention to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorder risks among construction workers. However, the adoption of EXOs may differ with demographic characteristics. Survey data (n = 361) were collected from construction industry stakeholders and a summation score method was used to summarize respondent's benefits and barriers to EXO use, along with perceptions and readiness to use. Responses were stratified by race (White vs. non-White), sex (male vs. female), and age (<47 years vs. ≥47 years). Both a higher Benefits score and a higher Perceptions score were significantly and positively associated with a higher Readiness to Use score. There were also significant differences in perceived barriers to EXO use by race and sex. These results demonstrate substantial interest in EXO use but also emphasize the need to ensure proportionate access to the potential benefits of EXO technology.

Characteristics of fall-from-height patients: a retrospective comparison of jumpers and fallers using a multi-institutional registry

OBJECTIVE

Fall from height (FFH) is a major public health problem that can result in severe injury, disability, and death. This study investigated how the characteristics of jumpers and fallers differ.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of FFH patients enrolled in an Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance (EDIIS) registry between 2011 and 2018. Depending on whether the injury was intentional, FFH patients who had fallen from a height of at least 1 m were divided into two groups: jumpers and fallers. Patient characteristics, organ damage, and death were compared between the two groups, and factors that significantly affected death were identified using multivariable logistic analysis.

RESULTS

Among 39,419 patients, 1,982 (5.0%) were jumpers. Of the jumpers, 977 (49.3%) were male, while 30,643 (81.9%) of fallers were male. The jumper group had the highest number of individuals in their 20s, with the number decreasing as age increased. In contrast, the number of individuals in the faller group rose until reaching their 50s, after which it declined. More thoracoabdominal, spinal, and brain injuries were found in jumpers. The in-hospital mortality of jumpers and fallers was 832 (42.0%) and 1,268 (3.4%), respectively. Intentionality was a predictor of in-hospital mortality, along with sex, age, and fall height, with an odds ratio of 7.895 (95% confidence interval, 6.746-9.240).

CONCLUSION

Jumpers and fallers have different epidemiological characteristics, and jumpers experienced a higher degree of injury and mortality than fallers. Differentiated prevention and treatment strategies are needed for jumpers and fallers to reduce mortality in FFH patients.

Occupational Injuries Among Construction Workers by Age and Related Economic Loss: Findings From Ohio Workers' Compensation, USA: 2007-2017

Background

This study examined age-group differences in the rate, severity, and cost of injuries among construction workers to support evidence-based worker safety and health interventions in the construction industry.

Methods

Ohio workers' compensation claims for construction workers were used to estimate claim rates and costs by age group. We analyzed claims data auto-coded into five event/exposure categories: transportation incidents; slips, trips, and falls (STFs); exposure to harmful substances and environments; contact with objects and equipment (COB); overexertion and bodily reaction. American Community Survey data were used to determine the percentage of workers in each age group.

Results

From 2007-2017, among 72,416 accepted injury claims for ∼166,000 construction full-time equivalent (FTE) per year, nearly half were caused by COB, followed by STFs (20%) and overexertion (20%). Claim rates related to COB and exposure to harmful substances and environments were highest among those 18-24 years old, with claim rates of 313.5 and 25.9 per 10,000 FTE, respectively. STFs increased with age, with the highest claim rates for those 55-64 years old (94.2 claims per 10,000 FTE). Overexertion claim rates increased and then declined with age, with the highest claim rate for those 35-44 years old (87.3 per 10,000 FTE). While younger workers had higher injury rates, older workers had higher proportions of lost-time claims and higher costs per claim. The total cost per FTE was highest for those 45-54 years old ($1,122 per FTE).

Conclusion

The variation in rates of injury types by age suggests that age-specific prevention strategies may be useful.

Exploring Mentorship in Union and Non-Union Occupational Safety and Health Training Programs

Few studies have explored mentorship's value in occupational safety and health (OSH) training that focuses on worker empowerment in blue-collar occupations. Through a university and union collaboration, we examined mentorship programs as a promising enhancement to ongoing OSH training to foster worker leadership development in organizations focused on worker empowerment. Union-based worker-trainers from 11 large manufacturing facilities across the United States and worker-trainers affiliated with 11 Latinx Worker Centers in the New York City area were interviewed. Rapid Evaluation and Assessment Methods informed study design. The themes that emerged, reflecting the value of mentorship in OSH training, were: characterizing the elements of mentoring, how mentorship can improve OSH training, and recommended practices for designing a program across two different work settings. We conceptualize the goals of mentorship within a broader social ecological framework, that is, to support OSH learning so workers will advocate for broader safety and health changes with credibility and a feeling of empowerment.

Falls from scaffolds: a nationwide analysis

INTRODUCTION

Falls from scaffolds are a common cause of occupational injuries and fatalities, however, the data concerning these injuries are scarce. The purpose of this study was to characterize the epidemiology, injury patterns, and outcomes of falls from scaffolds.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study using data from the National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2017). All adult patients who sustained injuries following falls from scaffolds and as a comparator, falls from ladders, were identified using the external cause of injury codes. The primary outcome was differences in the type and severity of injuries between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 183,853 patients were analyzed. Of these, 18,189 (9.9%) fell from scaffolds and 165,664 (90.1%) from ladders. Patients who fell from scaffolds were younger, more often male, and more likely to sustain severe trauma (ISS > 15: 24.1% vs 17.3%, p < 0.001). Falls from scaffolds resulted in more severe head injuries (head AIS ≥ 3: 18.6% vs 14.7%, p < 0.001) and more spinal fractures (30.3% vs 25.2%, p < 0.001). Falls from scaffolds were associated with higher mortality (2.5% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001), higher ICU admission rate (25.0% vs 21.5%, p < 0.001), and longer hospitalization. On multivariable analysis, the strongest predictors of mortality were GCS < 9 and hypotension on admission, severe (AIS ≥ 3) head injury, and age > 65 years.

CONCLUSION

Falls from scaffolds are associated with more severe injuries and worse outcomes compared to ladder falls. Males in the fourth decade of life were disproportionally affected. Further research on fall prevention is warranted to decrease this important cause of death and disability.

Construction Accidents in Spain: Implications for an Aging Workforce

Construction workers are getting older. In the European Union, the percentage of workers over 50 grew from 24.7% in 2011 to 31.5% in 2018, in Spain from 20.4% to 31.2%. Objective. Identify trends and detailed patterns of accidents of older construction workers compared to other age groups. Data and Method. We analyzed construction accidents in Spain from 2011 to 2018 (N = 455,491). The number of accidents and lost working days (LWD) were broken down by occupation, seniority, company size, temporal variables (weekday, hour), trigger, and body part injured and compared for different age groups. Results. Although older worker had fewer accidents, the consequences of accidents were more serious. Those over 50 years had 84% more lost working days (LWD) than those under 24 years, 48% more than those between 25 and 39 years, and 21% more than those between 40 and 49 years. (1) Occupation: the percentage of accidents grew with age for supervisors, lorry drivers, and bricklayers. (2) Seniority: the least experienced (less than 6 months) and the most experienced (more than 6 years) had the most LWD. (3) Company size: there are 24.5% of accidents in companies of less than four workers. (4) Trigger: older workers suffered more falls, both from height and at the same level. (5) Time: the percentage of accidents in those over 50 was higher on Thursdays and Fridays, in the afternoons from 4 to 7 p.m., and after four hours of work. (6) Injury: this shows the longest absences for shoulder injuries for those over 50 years, with an average of 70 LWD.

On-Body Placement of Wearable Safety Promotion Devices Based on Wireless Communication for Construction Workers-on-Foot: State-of-the-Art Review

High auditory noise levels and limited visibility are often considered among the main factors that hinder seamless communication on construction sites. Many previous research studies have leveraged technology to overcome these obstacles and communicate using the hearing, sight and touch senses. However, the technological efficacy does not secure the users’ perceptivity of the wireless communication devices. Statistical data regarding the number of fatal accidents on construction sites have remained steady despite regular efforts. This study analyzed prior research on wearable safety promotion devices for personnel that move around the jobsite on foot. A seven-point checklist was utilized to shortlist prior studies (2005–2021) attempting to provide safety information wirelessly to the construction workers-on-foot. The reasoning behind various on-body placements was investigated along with the information conveyed using the three communication modalities. A novel communication network is also introduced to visualize the technical details. Lastly, limitations and future recommendations have been presented to gain insights about the factors that might affect the placement of the wearable safety promotion devices.

Effect of Occupational Health and Safety Training for Chinese Construction Workers Based on the CHAID Decision Tree

Background: Occupational health and safety (OHS) training is an important way to prevent construction safety risks. However, the effectiveness of OHS training in China is questionable. In this study, the CHAID (chi-squared automatic interaction detection) decision tree, chi-square analysis, and correlation analysis were used to explore the main, secondary, weak, unrelated, and expectation factors affecting the effectiveness of training. It is the first to put forward the "five-factor method" of training effectiveness. It is found that training effectiveness is positively correlated with job responsibilities, OHS training, and job satisfaction. It is also significantly related to job certificate, training time, training method, and working time. However, the effectiveness of training has nothing to do with personal age, marital status, educational level, job type, and whether or not they have experienced industrial accidents. And the workers on site expect the enterprise to provide security and opportunities such as physical safety, training and learning, and future career development. The results show that OHS system training should be strengthened in the construction industry, and classified training should be carried out according to post responsibility, training methods, job satisfaction, and working hours.

Workers' Compensation Claim Rates and Costs for Musculoskeletal Disorders Related to Overexertion Among Construction Workers - Ohio, 2007-2017

Overexertion is a leading cause of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among construction workers. Nearly 90% of construction jobs require manual handling of materials for approximately one half of the worker's time (1). In 2015, overexertion from lifting and lowering materials caused 30% of WMSDs among construction workers; overexertion involving pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, and catching materials caused an additional 37% of WMSDs (1). This study examined the rate and cost of WMSD claims from overexertion among Ohio construction workers during 2007-2017. Workers' compensation claims related to overexertion that were submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation (OHBWC) by workers in the construction industry for injuries and illnesses occurring during 2007-2017 were analyzed. Rates and costs of allowed claims were measured by age group. Workers aged 35-44 years experienced the highest claim rate: 63 per 10,000 full-time employees (FTEs) for WMSDs from overexertion. However, claims by workers aged 45-54 years and 55-64 years were more costly on average and resulted in more days away from work. Ergonomic design improvements and interventions are needed to ensure that the majority of construction workers can safely perform jobs throughout their careers. Age-specific WMSD prevention and risk communication efforts also might be helpful.

Injury inequalities among U.S. construction workers

This study explores racial/ethnic inequalities in work-related injuries among U.S. construction workers. Data from the 2004-2017 National Health Interview Survey were used to estimate work-related injuries by race/ethnicity in construction. Disparities in demographic, socioeconomic, and injury status among construction workers were examined by race/ethnicity. Injury differences were also evaluated in multiple logistic regression analyses controlling for potential confounders. Compared to white, non-Hispanic workers, minority workers were more likely to have lower socioeconomic statuses (e.g., lower educational attainment, lack of health insurance coverage, and family income below the poverty level), which considerably increased the likelihood of work-related injuries. The odds of work-related injuries were 70% higher among racial/ethnic minorities than white, non-Hispanics in construction. Injuries were also more severe among minorities than white, non-Hispanic workers. Among workers with a work-related injury, nearly 85% of Hispanics reported missing at least one workday due to injury, 45.6% higher than the proportion of 57.9% for their white, non-Hispanic counterparts. After adjusting for major demographic and socioeconomic factors, the work-related injury difference between race/ethnicity was no longer statistically significant. However, the odds of work-related injury remained significantly higher among workers who were younger (35-54 years vs. ≥ 55 years: aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.6); male (aOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 2.9-9.8); not college-educated (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.2); had a family income below the poverty threshold (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.8); or held a blue-collar occupation (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.4). These findings suggest that the injury differences between race/ethnicity were strongly associated with demographics and socioeconomic inequalities in these worker groups. The identified injury disparities should be reduced or eliminated, following the hierarchy of controls paradigm.

Biomechanical assessment while using production tables on mast climbing work platforms

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of using alternative mast climbing work platform (MCWP) designs on trunk motion and postural stability with masonry workers while performing bricklaying and stepping down tasks using a conventional MCWP setting (i.e. with a step deck) as well as two types of production tables (straight- and L-shaped). The trunk angles and postural sway parameters of twenty-five masonry workers were recorded for the following tasks: (1) standing on a simulated MCWP and laying bricks on an adjacent wall, and (2) stepping down onto the step deck to get into position for doing the bricklaying task. Results indicated that the use of the L-shaped production table resulted in the lowest trunk ranges of motion and significantly reduced the workers' trunk angles in all three planes when compared to both the straight-shaped production table and the conventional approach of not using a production table. Data showed that both body sway velocity and area were significantly reduced when using either one of the production tables. The use of production tables significantly reduced impact sway forces when workers stepped from the main platform to the step deck. The use of production tables on MCWPs improved workers' postures and overall stability, which could reduce the risk of injury.

Prescription opioid use and associated factors among US construction workers

BACKGROUND

Construction workers are among the segments of the US population that were hit hardest by the opioid prescription and overdose deaths in the past decades. Factors that underlie opioid use in construction workers have been compartmentalized and isolated in existing studies of opioid use and opioid overdose, but they ignore the overall context of their use. This study examines prescription opioid use and its association with a variety of occupational and nonoccupational factors in construction workers in the United States.

METHODS

Data from the 2011-2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (n = 7994) were analyzed. The prevalence of prescribed opioid use and the association with occupational and nonoccupational characteristics among construction workers were examined in four multiple logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The odds of prescription opioid use for workers with occupational injuries was more than triple that of their noninjured counterparts when demographics and occupational factors were controlled (odds ratio = 3.38, 95% confidence interval: 2.38-4.81). Odds of prescription opioid use were higher in older construction workers, workers who were white, non-Hispanic, working part-time, and in poorer health, while Hispanic workers and those without health insurance were much less likely to report prescription opioid use.

CONCLUSIONS

Prescription opioid use among construction workers encompasses both occupational and nonoccupational factors. As an insight into opioid use among construction workers becomes clearer, effectively responding to the opioid crisis remains a challenge.

Practical Judgment of Workload Based on Physical Activity, Work Conditions, and Worker's Age in Construction Site

It is important for construction companies to sustain a productive workforce without sacrificing its health and safety. This study aims to develop a practical judgement method to estimate the workload risk of individual construction workers. Based on studies, we developed a workload model comprising a hygrothermal environment, behavioral information, and the physical characteristics of workers). The construction workers’ heart rate and physical activity were measured using the data collected from a wearable device equipped with a biosensor and an acceleration sensor. This study is the first report to use worker physical activity, age, and the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) to determine a worker’s physical workload. The accuracy of this health risk judgment result was 89.2%, indicating that it is possible to easily judge the health risk of workers even in an environment where it is difficult to measure the subject in advance. The proposed model and its findings can aid in monitoring the health impacts of working conditions during construction activities, and thereby contribute toward determining workers’ health damage. However, the sampled construction workers are 12 workers, further studies in other working conditions are required to accumulate more evidence and assure the accuracy of the models.